Paul Nicholls' smart staying chaser Clan Des Obeaux will miss Aintree's Grand National meeting after the 11 year old has lost a race against time to be ready for the Grade One Aintree Bowl.
Dual King George winner Clan Des Obeaux has been the horse of a lifetime for his connections being placed superbly by his trainer throughout his career also picking up a Punchestown Gold Cup and back to back Aintree Bowl's.
However, looking to win the race for a third straight year this season on what would have been his first start of the season, he will not be entered for the race and instead will be back for another crack next season.
❌ Paul Nicholls says CLAN DES OBEAUX has been ruled out of the Betway Bowl at next month's Aintree Grand National meeting.pic.twitter.com/E41srTcHrI
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A five time Grade One winner for Paul Barber, Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson, unfortunately he will not be seen at Aintree this term.
(Credit ATR) Nicholls said: “We have run out of time to get him ready, so we will just have to wait until next season.“He had a little bit of a suspensory problem and has been doing everything and coming along well.
“He did a strong piece of work last week away and it has just flared up again.
“The warning light is flashing and we’ve just not had enough time to get him right, so we’ve had to pull stumps for the season.
“Unfortunately, much as we and everyone has tried to get him ready, we’re not going to get there.”